3.3 The Qualifying Tests: TFM11, TFM12, TFM13, TFM14 and Their References
Key Takeaways
- All SFMO fire alarm tests are closed book and have 50 questions that are true/false or multiple choice; questions may refer to a drawing, chart, or figure included with the test.
- The passing score is 70 percent or better, and PSI sends a copy of official test scores to the SFMO.
- A candidate may schedule each type of test only once a week and no more than three times every 12 months (TDI test restrictions; 28 TAC § 34.615(d)).
- TFM11 questions come only from Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6002 and 28 TAC 34.600; TFM12 covers NFPA 72 except the household chapter, plus NEC Articles 760 and 300 and NFPA 13, 17, 17A, 25, and 90A.
- TFM13 is based only on the Household Fire Alarm Systems chapter of NFPA 72; TFM14 is based on the supervising station chapter of NFPA 72 and UL 827.
Why This Section Matters
Test logistics questions appear on TFM11 itself, and knowing the reference list tells you what to study for TFM12. The SFMO's published test information is the authoritative source; PSI's role is delivery, not content ownership.
1. Test Format and Scoring
| Attribute | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Open or closed book | All tests are closed book |
| Length | 50 questions |
| Item types | True/false or multiple choice |
| Visuals | Questions may refer to a drawing, chart, or figure included with the test |
| Passing score | 70% or better |
| Score reporting | PSI sends a copy of official test scores to the SFMO; NICET candidates submit their own official score report with the application |
| Basis of technical items | The adopted standards (see § 34.607); no questions on a specific manufacturer's equipment other than equipment generally referenced by an NFPA standard |
Scheduling. Tests are registered through PSI Exams Online at psiexams.com/txfire, by phone, or by email. The SFMO restriction is: each type of test may be scheduled only once a week and no more than three times every 12 months. 28 TAC § 34.615(d) states the annual half of that rule: "An applicant may only schedule each type of test three times within a 12-month period."
Statutory backdrop. Section 6002.156 lets the state fire marshal establish the scope and type of the examination, administer it directly, or contract with a testing service; approval of a testing service is valid for one year. Section 6002.157 requires notice of results within 30 days of administration, or within two weeks after the state fire marshal receives results from a testing service; if results will be delayed more than 90 days, notice of the reason must be sent before the 90th day. A candidate who fails may request, in writing, an analysis of the individual's performance.
2. The Four Test Codes
| Code | Test name | Reference material |
|---|---|---|
| TFM11 | Fire Alarm Statutes and Rules | Only Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6002 and 28 TAC 34.600 |
| TFM12 | Fire Alarm Technician | NFPA 72 except the chapter on Household Fire Alarms; NFPA 70 Articles 760 and 300 and other referenced articles; NFPA 13; NFPA 17; NFPA 17A; NFPA 25; NFPA 90A |
| TFM13 | Fire Alarm Residential | Only the Household Fire Alarm Systems chapter of NFPA 72 |
| TFM14 | Fire Alarm Monitoring | The Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems chapter of NFPA 72 and other referenced chapters, plus UL 827 Central-Station Alarm Services |
Which tests each license requires:
| License | Required tests |
|---|---|
| APS | TFM11 plus NICET Level III, ESA Level III Fire Alarm Designer, or Texas PE |
| FAL | TFM11 + TFM12 (TFM12 replaceable by NICET Level II or ESA Level II) |
| AMT | TFM11 + TFM14 |
| RAS | TFM11 + Fire Alarm Technical test + TFM13 |
| RAS-SS | TFM11 + TFM13 |
| RAL | Approved residential fire alarm technician training course (no separate SFMO test) |
3. What TFM12 Actually Covers
The SFMO publishes an explicit subject list for the Fire Alarm Technician test. Questions include but are not limited to:
- Identification of applicable NFPA standards
- Types of equipment and circuits
- Proper type of wire and cable
- Detector operating principles
- Location and limitation for the spacing of detection and notification devices
- Principles, requirements, installation, and use of detection circuits
- …of supervisory circuits
- …of notification circuits
- Alarm testing requirements and frequency
The SFMO adds that there may be questions based on practical knowledge of general electrical wiring practices or principles of electricity. That sentence is the reason Ohm's law, voltage drop and conductor resistance belong in your preparation even though NFPA 72 does not teach them.
4. What TFM13 and TFM14 Cover
TFM13 — Residential. Based only on the household chapter of NFPA 72. Published subjects: detector type, location, and spacing; required amounts of detectors; detector requirements for single and multiple stations; power supplies; and maintenance and tests.
TFM14 — Monitoring. Based on NFPA 72's supervising station chapter and other referenced chapters, plus UL 827 Central-Station Alarm Services (December 3, 2021 edition, per § 34.607(a)(16)).
Note the clean split: whatever TFM12 excludes (the household chapter) is exactly what TFM13 covers.
5. Retest and Expiration Rules
| Situation | Rule | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Failed a test | § 34.615(b) | File a retest application with the required fee to be retested on the next scheduled test date |
| Scheduling limits | § 34.615(d); TDI | Each type of test once a week, no more than three times every 12 months |
| Did not appear | § 34.614(d) | All fees are forfeited if the applicant does not appear for the scheduled test |
| License expired less than two years | § 34.615(c) | No test required — renew under § 6002.203 |
| License expired two years or longer | § 34.615(c); § 6002.203(d) | Cannot renew; must apply as new and take and pass another test |
| Passed but did not file | § 34.615(e) | Test voided after one year |
| SFMO-administered test fee | § 34.614(c)(9)–(10) | $20 initial test, $20 retest (PSI-administered tests are paid to PSI) |
6. Test-Day Practicalities
- Closed book means no code books, no Chapter 6002 printout, no notes. Anything you need must be memorized.
- Because technical items are drawn from the adopted editions, answer TFM12 items from NFPA 72-2019 and NFPA 70-2020, not from the newest published edition.
- Because "no questions are based on specific manufacturer's equipment," any answer choice that turns on one brand's panel behavior is almost certainly wrong.
- The 50-question format with a 70% cut means 15 misses fail you. There is no partial credit and no scaled score adjustment published by the SFMO.
According to the SFMO test information, what is the format and passing standard for the Texas fire alarm tests?
Which reference material is used for the TFM13 Fire Alarm Residential test?
A candidate fails TFM12 on March 3. Under the SFMO test restrictions and 28 TAC § 34.615, when may the candidate next attempt it and how often within a year?